Cooper to open global technical centre

ERJ staff report (TB)

Findlay, Ohio – Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is working with the State of Ohio to add a global tech centre in Findlay, reports Tire Business.

The tire maker announced that the State of Ohio—through the commissioners of the Ohio Third Frontier program—has approved $2.8 million in funding to support a Global Technology Centre.

Cooper said the facility would be the company's worldwide centre for tire technology, advanced technology and innovation. It aims to put the Global Technical Centre in Findlay within the same building where its North American Technical Centre already exists. Cooper currently has two other regional technical centres located in Melksham, England, and Shanghai.

Although state approval for some funding is an important step, Cooper said the project must still be passed by the state Controlling Board. The total cost of the project will be approximately $40 million over five years and will create 40 jobs over the next three years, including engineers, scientists, researchers and more.

"Cooper Tire is excited about the Global Technology Centre and this first step in receiving funding from the IRDC program to help support the project," said Anne Roman, vice president, communications and public affairs for Cooper.

Ms Roman said Cooper applied for funding from the Ohio Third Frontier's Industrial Research and Development Centre (IRDC) program. The commissioners approved $2.8 million to go toward the total cost of development.

The decision still needs to be approved for final confirmation by the Controlling Board, which is expected to occur within the next few weeks.